At a lively alumni gathering in Umuahia, former President Goodluck Jonathan, speaking through Godknows Igali, praised a quiet but impressive shift: Aba-made goods no longer carry the weight of mockery they once did.
He gave credit to Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, saying: “The presence of Alex Otti in Abia State shows intentionality in leadership. He came prepared. Before, in Abia State, once they say Aba made, people would laugh, but today, people are scrambling for Aba made.”
Jonathan made this remark at the weekend during the University of Port Harcourt 1980s Alumni reunion and award ceremony, where pride in progress and shared memories ran high.
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He also pointed out that Uniport stands out in Nigeria’s academic space, having produced six governors, a Vice President, and a President. That detail drew applause from attendees, many of whom now hold powerful positions.
Governor Otti, in his response, appreciated the visit and the time the alumni spent inspecting some of his administration’s ongoing projects.
The reunion drew high-profile guests including Bayelsa State Governor Duoye Diri and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, adding more weight to a night already rich in nostalgia, legacy, and quiet revolutions.